As students increasingly seek ways to maximize their high school experience and prepare for college, dual credit programs have become an invaluable resource. We sat down with three students from BC High School—likeAvery Hardebeck —who shared their thoughts on why dual credit is a game-changer for high schoolers looking to get ahead and her thoughts as a Senior. Also, we were able to talk to Sarah Gick, a recent graduate who attends Purdue University.
Avery Hardebeck: “Less stress, more success” For Hardebeck, dual credit is a smarter alternative to Advanced Placement (AP) courses. “Honestly, I love dual credit,” Avery says. “I found it to be way better than AP because you’re not just cramming for one huge test at the end of the year. It’s the same college-level material, but without the stress of a single exam determining your grade.”
Avery points out that dual credit has allowed her to go into college with credits already earned, giving her a head start. “It’s a great feeling knowing I’m stepping into college already a few steps ahead, and it really benefits your GPA just like AP courses do. You’re doing college-level work, and it’s weighted the same. Plus, you don’t have to worry about test day nerves.”
We then spoke with Sarah Gick about what dual credits have done for her and they have made a significant impact on Gick’s freshman year at Purdue University. By enrolling in advanced courses during high school, she earned college credits that allowed her to start her university journey with a head start. This not only gave her a deeper understanding of her chosen field but also helped her save time and money.
At BC High School, students can choose from a variety of dual credit classes, including English, History, Biology, and Mathematics, among others. Currently, BC offers over 51 dual credit courses, with more being added each year to accommodate student interest. These classes are a partnership between BC and several local colleges like Ivy Tech community College, Vincennes University, and Indiana University Bloomington providing real college credit that transfers to most universities.
Across the board, Hardebeck and Gick agrees that dual credit is an excellent opportunity for high school students to get a head start on college, both academically and personally. With courses available in a wide range of subjects and designed to transfer easily to colleges, dual credit programs not only lighten the future course load but also enhance students’ readiness for the rigors of college.
